Many rideshare drivers depend on third-party apps like Mystro, GigU, and Maxymo to assess incoming ride opportunities and maximize their earnings. These tools are designed to help drivers filter out low-paying trips and find the rides that best fit their financial goals. As Sergio Avedian, a driver and contributor to The Rideshare Guy, points out, “They weed out the garbage offers that they’re sending you… The cherry-pickers always make more money.”
How These Apps Work
- Most of these apps use the accessibility features on Android devices to read ride offer screens and overlay guidance widgets.
- Apps like Mystro allow automatic acceptance or rejection of trips based on driver-chosen criteria, such as pay per mile or route.
- While there is a fee—typically ranging from $5 to $19 per month—many drivers report earning significantly more by being selective about the rides they accept.
Uber and Lyft’s Response
However, rideshare giants are fighting back:
- Doug Feigelson, CEO of Mystro, revealed that Uber has sent cease-and-desist letters to his company, claiming violations of their terms of service and interference with Uber’s relationship with its drivers. “We think we’re aligned with at least their publicly stated values,” Feigelson said, emphasizing that Mystro improves safety by keeping drivers’ eyes on the road. “But we certainly are worried, especially with Uber’s cease-and-desist letters, that they might sue us.”
- An Uber spokesperson stated: “Using third-party tools to bypass the system breaks our Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. It hurts riders, other drivers, and the trust that keeps Uber running.” Additionally, Uber maintains that using automation tools, apps, or bots to manipulate the Uber app or access Uber data in any way isn’t allowed.
- GigU’s CEO, Luiz Gustavo Neves, noted that some U.S. users recently received messages from Lyft warning that unusual activity from third-party software could put their accounts at risk. Lyft’s communication said such apps “are not secure and not allowed,” and accounts could be deactivated as a result.
Drivers’ Perspective and Risks
Some drivers and advocacy groups push back on the platforms’ stance. Minsu Longiaru of PowerSwitch Action stated that it’s no surprise drivers look for new tools when many feel “squeezed and manipulated” and often earn less than anticipated.
“We think that it’s fair that drivers should be able to use tools that they have at their disposal to try and make a fair and decent wage,” she said. “At the same time, these third-party tools are not a substitute for real protection.”
For drivers, there is a significant tradeoff. While third-party apps can boost earnings, using them could lead to warnings or deactivation from Uber or Lyft if detected. In many driver forums, discussion of such apps is discouraged or outright banned due to these risks.
The Ongoing Battle
GigU, which recently entered the U.S. market and has seen legal action from Uber in Brazil, has continued to defend its compliance and even filed an antitrust complaint in that country. Meanwhile, both Uber and Lyft claim their platforms are transparent regarding driver pay and offer details, though many drivers remain skeptical.
Feigelson sums up this skepticism: “They probably would love it if drivers only worked for their app and if they offered lowball fares and drivers would accept them.”
Takeaway for Rideshare Drivers
If you’re considering these apps:
- Weigh the potential for higher wages against the risk of account suspension.
- Be aware of current platform policies and community forum rules.
- These tools aren’t free, but many drivers claim they more than pay for themselves by filtering out unprofitable rides.
- Remember: While technology can give you an edge, nothing substitutes for staying informed about changes to the rideshare landscape.
If you’re searching for ways to maximize your rideshare earnings, these third-party apps can help—but only if you’re willing to navigate the platforms’ rules and the risks involved.
Source: Business Insider
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